- Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key cards unlock games for download.
- Downloading the full game from the internet is required after using a Game-Key card.
- Game-Key cards differ from classic Nintendo Game Cards as they do not store the full game.
The video game industry will always remember Nintendo for its innovation, and with the game cards, they made sure physical game preservation stays intact. So, if you are a fan of Nintendo’s cartridges, there is a new variant of them in town. However, unlike the classic game cards, Nintendo calls them Game-Key cards. Here is everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key card.
What is the Switch 2 Game-Key Card?
The Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key card is a cartridge that looks like the classic Game Card but does not contain the full game. This means that, unlike how you can download full games on normal Game Cards, you must unlock the game and later download it online.
Remember that only a select number of games will not have the classic Nintendo Game Card option, and you must use the Game-Key card option. To know if you are buying a Game-Key card, you must look for the key on the physical pack of the game while purchasing. Here is how the Switch 2 Game-Key card boxes will look:
To continue playing the game, you must insert the Game-Key card into the device. It will work like a physical Game Card, similar to the classic Nintendo cartridge. The key will function similarly to a Switch 1 download code.
However, unlike the classic code redemption, where the game is installed in the account, the key can be shared. For example, you can use your Game-Key card on another device.
How to Use Switch 2 Game-Key Card
Before you use the Game-Key card, you must have enough storage and an internet connection on your device. Luckily, the Switch 2 has 256 GB of storage and supports external microSD Express cards. The box will mention the required storage for the game, so check it beforehand. With that sorted, follow the step-by-step process below to learn how to use the Game-Key card in your Switch 2:
- Open the Game Card slot and insert the Game-Key Card.
- Follow the instructions on the Home menu and download the game.
- For the first-time launch, use the internet and access your game.
All Game-Key Card Games For Switch 2
Well, for the gamers who love collecting physical games, knowing which games you will get permanently as classic Game Cards is essential. So, we dug through the official Nintendo website to find out that the Game-Key card mark exists in the packages of games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster. However, Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not have it, meaning the selected games specific to Nintendo are more likely to get physical Game Cards.
I personally feel that games like Fortnite, Final Fantasy, or Hogwarts Legacy will be better with the key formula, as they can take up a huge amount of storage. Well, Cyberpunk 2077 confirmed its 64 GB physical Game Card, so that is out of the way. One thing I am sure of is that Nintendo will try not to swing away from the classic cartridge formula completely. Still, I suggest you watch the boxes when you purchase the Switch 2 games.
That is everything you should know about Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key cards. What are your thoughts on this new card formula after Nintendo already introduced virtual game cards? Share your thoughts in the comments.
